I usually purchase these Hallmark ornament series in July but this year it slipped my mind until now. I’m so excited to be able to say that they are on their way to me. As an aside, I was so sad to find out that my local free-standing Hallmark store closed it’s doors for the last time during this past Spring :(. I had really loved this store too. I have to travel much further now if I want to see any Hallmark items up close. Though they have an online presence, it’s not the same since another issue is that there are ornaments which are only available for in-store pick up. I’m really disappointed :/. Another bummer is that I believe they have discontinued the gnome home series since there are no new designs which can be found for the holiday season of 2018 :(. Where are you elemental/gnome lovers out there??? Hallmark needs to hear your voice! Anyway, to end this post on a more positive note, here are pics of what I purchased. Can you tell I’m a big admirer of Marjolein Bastin yet? ;)

Cute little makeup cases excite me! My current favorite is Stephanie Johnson’s Mumbai Collection. I love seeing the new designs that people can dream up e.g. the double pocket, the tall vanity, etc! Really wish Lisa Stickley would have more American stockists. Paying for international shipping on top of an expensive vanity case is a killer =(! I’m also waiting for someone to invent a stunning multi-section coupon case. Below features a few that is both forward-thinking and beautiful…

I’ve finally changed my mind about Vera Bradley. I didn’t like the brand when there was a craze several+ years ago. I’m normally a big fan of leather designer bags and definitely still am. Recently I spotted the pattern called “Sittin’ in a Tree” and I think it’s cute and has a younger vibe to it. I also like the retired pattern, Americana very much. I bought my mom, as one of her Christmas presents this year, a Poppy Fields Villager (I considered the Pleated tote too but liked the interior pockets of the Villager slightly more). It’s good to finally have a bag that I’m not afraid to use and it’s machine washable (colors have not faded on my totes yet post-wash). I feel a little more connected to my past (to the hot pink, down-to-earth bag which was my first love- the one with generous compartments)… I like the Villager, Pleated, Bowler, Carried Away (this one is humongous) styles. My MIL bought me a Gabby for Christmas and I’m glad she did because I most likely would not have considered this particular style on my own; consequently nor would I have discovered how wonderful it is. My current favorite patterns are Americana, Apple Green, Imperial Toile, Sittin’ in a Tree, Folkloric, Make Me Blush, and Poppy Fields. What are your favorites? I have to know!

I’m such a nut for make up bags- you’ve seen them; the ones with the double compartments in which you can store your favorite brushes and mascara and with a bottom section large enough for all your cosmetic goodies. I’m not picky on whether it’s coated canvas or smooth heavyweight nylon but Anya Hindmarch’s version takes the cake with its patent trim, embossed “Make Up” lettering, and lovely signature logo lining. Every girl who tends to do some sort of traveling should own one. My small qualm is that I wish she made one in navy blue or black with the lining as seen below. This would be a great holiday gift for someone =)

For those of you with large nail polish collections, the solutions below may be right for you. It’s a shame that I haven’t seen more companies making train cases for nail polishes available to the public like the black and silver damask pictured below by OPI. I do like the acrylic stands by OPI a lot. They look very professional to me and can hold quite a bit. You do need ample desk space if you feel the need to display your collection. Nail polish is also best stored upright; even if you choose to store it in tall Sterilite or wooden drawers. I like to give them a good shake from time to time so they don’t settle for too long. Always remember to re-cap after use or they will dry up quickly. I’ve seen people add polish thinner to rejuvenate their nail polish. Even my nail salon does that occasionally. Any thoughts on this? I haven’t tried it myself yet so I cannot attest to whether or not it’s a good method to use. My favorite brands include OPI, Essie, China Glaze, Sinful, Milani, Revlon, Brucci, and L’Oreal. I love all colors and finishes. Brucci (Black Cherry) will always be very special to me since it’s the first brand of polish I ever owned. Currently I’m wearing Minted by Revlon and have received so many compliments already. It’s a pretty color- I’m not ready to let go of summer just yet.

Over the years I’ve given a bunch of my polishes to charitable causes. It makes so many people happy (beauty therapy is always a good thing!) and I get to pare down my collection. I don’t want to own too many bottles or have colors which are too similar to each other… To each his own. I’m also gearing up to swap on Makeup Alley for colors I’m interested in and would have eventually purchased. These are two good ways to scale down and update one’s collection besides giving them away to family or friends. My mother, sister, MIL, and SIL don’t wear nail polish as often as I do. I also have a feeling they like much more subdued colors than I do e.g. ivories and pale pinks.

If you have any comments, storage ideas, or personal polish favorites, please feel free to post a comment. I would love to hear from you =)! BTW, I’ve included pics of fantasy storage (last three pics) for your viewing pleasure.